VITA - Dr. David Ludwig

Dr. David Ludwig has blended an academic background in theology and psychology throughout his professional career. In 1965 he earned his M.Div. degree from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, and then completed his Ph.D. at Washington University, St. Louis, in 1966. His creative combination of these two disciplines has spanned more than 45 years as a university professor, a licensed psychologist and a Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod pastor. During this time he has written several books and numerous professional articles, while speaking internationally on the spiritual growth of relationships involving oneself, one's family and the church.

Central to Ludwig's thinking is a deep understanding of the organizing spiritual force in life. Arranging relationships around shared responsibilities and joy (i.e. around a "WE") built on the promise of God's design for humans offers a loving alternative to an increasingly "ME-oriented" culture. Ludwig's popular books and videos present practical applications to developing healthier personal and family relationships. Among his insightful concepts are those of "Painters and Pointers," "Freeze-dried Mood Particles," and "Parenting as a WE."

Through grants from Wheat Ridge Ministries, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, and various Synodical organizations, Dr. Ludwig and his wife, Kathy, have traveled extensively, giving presentations on family relationships. This message of the healing power of WE has been shared with congregations and audiences in the United States, Canada, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Taiwan, Thailand, Korea, Kenya and England. He has developed the Power of WE Center at Lenoir-Rhyne College in Hickory, N.C. His book and video, The Power of WE, can be ordered at this website: www.thinkwe.com. He and Kathy have been married for 50 years and have three sons and seven grandchildren.

Dr. Ludwig's books and videos include:

Spirit of Your Marriage (1979)
In Good Spirits (1985)
Renewing the Family Spirit (1989)
The Spirit of your Congregation (1992)
The Spiritual Dimension of Counseling (1996)
The Power of WE (1999)
Parenting Families (2007)